“Circus Time!”
Music and co-lyricist: David Pogue
Flexible cast of 14/extras. One set
A children’s musical written with The New York Times’ David Pogue. The three theaters that produced it so far were thrilled that every performance was a sellout. The late Richard Oberlin, Artistic Director of The Cleveland Play House, producer of the world premiere of “Circus Time!” at the Play House told me that in his thirty-five years there, “Circus Time!” was the best children’s show ever produced there.
Available through Dramatic Publishing: Click Here
Music and co-lyricist: David Pogue
Flexible cast of 14/extras. One set
A children’s musical written with The New York Times’ David Pogue. The three theaters that produced it so far were thrilled that every performance was a sellout. The late Richard Oberlin, Artistic Director of The Cleveland Play House, producer of the world premiere of “Circus Time!” at the Play House told me that in his thirty-five years there, “Circus Time!” was the best children’s show ever produced there.
Available through Dramatic Publishing: Click Here
“Oliver Twist”
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens.
Cast a minimum of twelve to a maximum of your choice, with extensive gender flexibility. Unit set or bare stage.
Twenty-one roles to be played by a minimum of twelve actors (plus extras if desired.) This faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' second novel is an exciting, fast-moving melodrama about the adventures of an orphan redeemed from a life of cruel poverty and crime by an act of unselfish courage. Filled with an atmosphere of mystery, its major characters Fagin, Bill Sikes, Mr. Bumble, Nancy, and the Artful Dodger are some of the most theatrically realized characters in all of literature
This popular adaptation of “Oliver Twist” premiered at Dallas Children’s Theater.
Available through Dramatic Publishing: Click Here
Adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens.
Cast a minimum of twelve to a maximum of your choice, with extensive gender flexibility. Unit set or bare stage.
Twenty-one roles to be played by a minimum of twelve actors (plus extras if desired.) This faithful adaptation of Charles Dickens' second novel is an exciting, fast-moving melodrama about the adventures of an orphan redeemed from a life of cruel poverty and crime by an act of unselfish courage. Filled with an atmosphere of mystery, its major characters Fagin, Bill Sikes, Mr. Bumble, Nancy, and the Artful Dodger are some of the most theatrically realized characters in all of literature
This popular adaptation of “Oliver Twist” premiered at Dallas Children’s Theater.
Available through Dramatic Publishing: Click Here
“Balto - The Dog That Saved Nome, Alaska"
Written with Bill Hoffman. Music and lyrics by Bill Hoffman.
Cast of three actors (male and/or female) or a cast of up to 13. One set.
In February 1925, stricken by a diphtheria epidemic, the mining town of Nome, Alaska was saved by twenty dog teams who delivered 300,000 units of serum over 674 miles of treacherous terrain. Balto lead the last 53-miles and became a media sensation. A few years later, Cleveland School children did some rescuing of their own to so Balto could live out his life in luxury at the Cleveland Zoo. An inspirational true story of adventure, courage and compassion.
"Balto" premiered at The Cleveland Play House in April 2005.
Written with Bill Hoffman. Music and lyrics by Bill Hoffman.
Cast of three actors (male and/or female) or a cast of up to 13. One set.
In February 1925, stricken by a diphtheria epidemic, the mining town of Nome, Alaska was saved by twenty dog teams who delivered 300,000 units of serum over 674 miles of treacherous terrain. Balto lead the last 53-miles and became a media sensation. A few years later, Cleveland School children did some rescuing of their own to so Balto could live out his life in luxury at the Cleveland Zoo. An inspirational true story of adventure, courage and compassion.
"Balto" premiered at The Cleveland Play House in April 2005.
“Nightmare of Frankenstein”
Written with Edward J. Walsh from the novel by Mary Shelley.
A cast of two males and two females and four flexible.
The House of Frankenstein is in turmoil. Victor Frankenstein, engaged to a woman he deeply loves, has fallen into a fit of despair. The cause of Victor’s behavior is, in fact, a Creature he brought to life. Contrary to what Victor intended, however, his Creature is hideous to look upon. So much so, that the Creature has covered his face so he won’t have to see his own reflection. Desperate, the forlorn Creature strikes a bargain with Victor: If the young scientist will create a suitable bride for him, the Creature will retire with her to the cold and distant Arctic, never to be seen again. When Agatha, a blind housemaid, senses the “faintest pulse of life” and tries to touch the bride’s body still being created, the Creature pushes the maid away, accidentally killing her. A furious Victor shouts, “The life of your bride for Agatha’s!” and destroys the Creature’s unfinished mate. The Creature vows a terrible revenge and Victor must set out to destroy the very life he created. In this highly literate and theatrical version, the playwrights remain faithful to the original story but the violence is accomplished offstage. The play can be staged simply or with more complex production values.
Published by Eldridge Plays: Click Here
“A Hawaiian Tale: The Bravest Menehune”
Written with Pamela V. Noll
A cast of three actors, plus one drummer or a cast of 12 or more. Unit or bare stage.
Once upon a time on the Island Paradise known as Hawaii, a brave Menehune (Menehunes are the little people of Hawaii) saves his family from the evil Mr. Sun.
The children’s play with a large ensemble cast. Once upon a time on the Island Paradise known as Hawaii, a brave Menehune (Menehunes are the little people of Hawaii) saves his family from the Mr. Sun.
“The Bravest Menehune” (Musical)
Music by David Pogue
Premiered at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio
Written with Edward J. Walsh from the novel by Mary Shelley.
A cast of two males and two females and four flexible.
The House of Frankenstein is in turmoil. Victor Frankenstein, engaged to a woman he deeply loves, has fallen into a fit of despair. The cause of Victor’s behavior is, in fact, a Creature he brought to life. Contrary to what Victor intended, however, his Creature is hideous to look upon. So much so, that the Creature has covered his face so he won’t have to see his own reflection. Desperate, the forlorn Creature strikes a bargain with Victor: If the young scientist will create a suitable bride for him, the Creature will retire with her to the cold and distant Arctic, never to be seen again. When Agatha, a blind housemaid, senses the “faintest pulse of life” and tries to touch the bride’s body still being created, the Creature pushes the maid away, accidentally killing her. A furious Victor shouts, “The life of your bride for Agatha’s!” and destroys the Creature’s unfinished mate. The Creature vows a terrible revenge and Victor must set out to destroy the very life he created. In this highly literate and theatrical version, the playwrights remain faithful to the original story but the violence is accomplished offstage. The play can be staged simply or with more complex production values.
Published by Eldridge Plays: Click Here
“A Hawaiian Tale: The Bravest Menehune”
Written with Pamela V. Noll
A cast of three actors, plus one drummer or a cast of 12 or more. Unit or bare stage.
Once upon a time on the Island Paradise known as Hawaii, a brave Menehune (Menehunes are the little people of Hawaii) saves his family from the evil Mr. Sun.
The children’s play with a large ensemble cast. Once upon a time on the Island Paradise known as Hawaii, a brave Menehune (Menehunes are the little people of Hawaii) saves his family from the Mr. Sun.
“The Bravest Menehune” (Musical)
Music by David Pogue
Premiered at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio
“Pied Piper of Hamelin”
Premiered at The Cleveland Play House.
Over 50 different productions. Recently translated into Dutch.
Published by Samuel French: Click Here
“Pied Piper of Hamelin” (Musical Version)
The musical (book and lyrics) with music by Peter J. Wilson,
Premiered at Musicarnival in Cleveland, Ohio. A revised version later premiered at the Cleveland Play House.
Published by Samuel French Plays.
“Billie and her Hillbilly Barnyard Band”
Written with Cassie Wolfe and songs by David Pogue
This award-winning children’s musical was written with playwright Cassandra Wolfe and songwriter David Pogue, premiered at The Cleveland Play House and a revised version premiered at The Enchanted Theater. This musical won Enchanted Playhouse national competition for Best New Children’s Play.
This colorful musical comedy is about Billie and her attempt to save the farm from the bankers. In order to do this, “Billie” must organize her barnyard animals to perform a benefit concert. Filled with original country-music songs.
“'Tis the Season”
A Holiday Musical
With music by Kevin A. Carr
A cast of twelve, with an ensemble.
A holiday musical about who two children kidnapped and how the community comes together to rescue them. Featuring a holiday score.
First performed by Kent State University Theatre Department.
Premiered at The Cleveland Play House.
Over 50 different productions. Recently translated into Dutch.
Published by Samuel French: Click Here
“Pied Piper of Hamelin” (Musical Version)
The musical (book and lyrics) with music by Peter J. Wilson,
Premiered at Musicarnival in Cleveland, Ohio. A revised version later premiered at the Cleveland Play House.
Published by Samuel French Plays.
“Billie and her Hillbilly Barnyard Band”
Written with Cassie Wolfe and songs by David Pogue
This award-winning children’s musical was written with playwright Cassandra Wolfe and songwriter David Pogue, premiered at The Cleveland Play House and a revised version premiered at The Enchanted Theater. This musical won Enchanted Playhouse national competition for Best New Children’s Play.
This colorful musical comedy is about Billie and her attempt to save the farm from the bankers. In order to do this, “Billie” must organize her barnyard animals to perform a benefit concert. Filled with original country-music songs.
“'Tis the Season”
A Holiday Musical
With music by Kevin A. Carr
A cast of twelve, with an ensemble.
A holiday musical about who two children kidnapped and how the community comes together to rescue them. Featuring a holiday score.
First performed by Kent State University Theatre Department.